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March 13, 2025 How To

How to get the most out of serving on a board

By Judy Parkhill

Following a long career in management consulting, I’ve enjoyed serving on boards of several organizations, including Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Embrace A Vet and Wolfe’s Neck Farm Foundation.

Judy Parkhill
Judy Parkhill

I currently serve as the board chair for Partners for World Health. Here in my community, OceanView at Falmouth, where giving back is such an integral part of our social fabric, I act as a board director for the Resident Assistance Fund, its own 501(c)(3), which provides support to OceanView residents who may experience financial needs later in their lives. 

All my experiences have been so rewarding and introduced me to people who have become lifelong friends. And it’s been gratifying to be part of an industry that plays such an important role in moving Maine forward. Maine’s nonprofits contribute more than $16 billion to our state’s economy, according to Maine Association of Nonprofits, or MANP.

But board recruitment is a top challenge. There’s a chronic need for board members to provide the kind of support and strategic direction that so many nonprofits need.

OceanView at Falmouth recently teamed up with MANP leaders to help residents learn more about board service. Here are some tips from that session for connecting with an organization and an opportunity you love.

Consider your own skills and interests

Finding the right nonprofit starts with evaluating the skillsets you've built. Different boards have different needs. Some organizations are looking for someone with financial expertise, like a CPA. Others are looking for thoughtful leadership that comes from someone with years of experience in corporate strategy.

If you need help narrowing down your options, check out MANP’s Board Explorer program, a free resource that connects nonprofits to people with skillsets and interests that match their needs.

Assess your time

It is important to figure out how much time you want to give an organization before you make a commitment. The amount of time an organization expects of its board members can vary widely. I've served on boards with extensive meetings and strategy sessions. While rewarding, it was not sustainable for everyone. Other boards require a much smaller time commitment .

Evaluate your free time. When speaking with an organization, you can ask current board members about time expectations. You both want your board membership to be a good match.

Commit to a mission you believe in

Most importantly, find a nonprofit with a mission you support. Really think about what you want to contribute to and what is important to you. 

I was particularly drawn to Partners for World Health for its mission of delivering medical supplies to people in need both in Maine and all over the world, as well as its sustainability mission of saving discarded medical supplies and equipment from landfills. It's energizing to get involved with a cause you care about. It leaves you with a lasting sense of accomplishment.

Dig into the details

Once you identify a board that needs your skillset, champions a cause you believe in and has a manageable time commitment, there are just a few more things to consider.

Make sure that whatever financial contribution expected from board members, if any, is feasible for you. Many organizations ask board members to make a contribution that is financially significant to them. Other organizations require board members to make a specific financial contribution.

Review the board manual to understand all the expectations and responsibilities of board members and make sure the organization has board insurance. While rare, there are occasions where boards get sued by vendors or employees, and you need to know that you will be supported if that happens.

Lastly, talk to the leaders of organizations you’re curious about, and ask about committees or other volunteer opportunities. This will allow you to contribute to the organization while learning more about it. You do not need to rush into it, and taking your time to find the right fit is worth it for you as well as the nonprofit.
 

About the author

Judy Parkhill is a board director of OceanView at Falmouth’s Resident Assistance Fund, and board chair of Partners for World Health. Before retiring, She worked for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, as vice president of sales and customer service.

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